At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Estates team to maintain and repair vital mechanical systems in a healthcare setting.
- Company: Watford General Hospital, part of an innovative healthcare organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting projects underway, including a new hospital and focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised apprenticeship or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering/Plumbing required.
The predicted salary is between 28392 - 31157 £ per year.
Main area: Estates
Grade: Band 4
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time, Flexible working)
Job reference: 360-G-11251-A
Department: West Herts - General Staffing
Site: Watford General Hospital
Salary: £28,392 - £31,157 pa (including HCA, 15.5% R&R reviewed annually & On Call payment of 3%)
Salary paid yearly.
Closing date: 23/06/2026 23:59
Job overview: We are looking for a motivated and skilled individual to join our Estates team, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to a vital service supporting patient care. You would need to have completed any of the following: recognised and registered Apprenticeship in City & Guilds, B‑TEC ONC, NVQ2 and above or have achieved recognised equivalent training or experience in Mechanical/Plumbing Engineering so that you are able to work on your own initiative, make safe and prioritise requests. Training may be available in site‑specific roles and you will be able to broaden and develop your skills with the support of the Estates management.
You will work on the repair and maintenance of Trust Estates assets such as heating plant, pumps, boilers, air handling units, BMS plant controls, water tanks and water quality systems, mechanical control panels. You will also work on HWS, medical gas and refrigeration systems. There is planned preventative and statutory maintenance on selected equipment that you will be involved in managing. You will also be required to participate in the Mechanical on‑call rota (currently 1 week in 9) and to be able to make on‑site decisions using your own initiative to keep patients and staff safe.
Main duties:
- Diagnose and repair faults on complex mechanical services, engineering plant and equipment, deal with new situations as they arise and pass on knowledge to others.
- Monitor temperatures using handheld data collection device, diagnose faults, recalibrate, and carry out repairs to thermostatic mixing valves, tanks and calorifiers to ensure compliance with the Control of Legionella Policy.
- Manufacture, assemble, erect and install new plumbing work as required.
- Fabricate/repair all sizes of iron pipework by screwing or welding.
- Work on steam‑raising plant, distribution and condensate return systems.
- Carry out both installation repairs and planned preventative maintenance on heating systems, compressors, motors, pumps, heat recovery, ventilation systems and controls.
- Carry out statutory inspections and testing on mechanical services, engineering plant and equipment, and complete necessary documentation.
- Undertake electrical isolations of pumps, motors etc. as instructed and on assessment of electrical competency.
- Undertake non‑complex tasks including fault‑finding of other trades.
- Repairs to lifts including emergency evacuation of persons in accordance with Health & Safety requirements.
- Install heavy engineering plant using lifting equipment in compliance with Trust policies.
Working for our organisation: With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
Qualifications:
- Recognised time‑served apprenticeship, or City & Guilds in Mechanical Engineering/Plumbing or BTEC (ONC) in Engineering or equivalent.
- NVQ3 or above.
- CP MGPS.
- CP Ventilation.
- CP Pressure Systems.
- BG01 Boiler operators or Steam.
Knowledge & experience:
- Mechanical Services, CP MGPS, CP Ventilation, CP Pressure Systems, BG01 Boiler operators or Steam.
Experience:
- Heating & Ventilation Plumbing.
- Steam, Medical Gases.
- Pressure Systems.
- Water Hygiene.
Important Information: No Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) will be obtained for this role.
Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford employer: Westhertshospitals
Join our Estates team at Watford General Hospital, where your skills as a Mechanical Craftsperson will directly contribute to enhancing patient care in a supportive and innovative environment. With a strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional development, we offer flexible working hours, opportunities for training, and the chance to be part of exciting projects, including a new hospital and advanced digital healthcare initiatives. Our commitment to empowering our employees ensures that you will thrive in a culture that values compassion, professionalism, and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the hospital. You never know who might give you a heads-up about job openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mechanical engineering and plumbing. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and what you can bring to our Estates team!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant projects or experiences, be ready to discuss them in detail. Bring along any certifications or training documents that highlight your qualifications, especially those related to heating, ventilation, and plumbing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to excellent patient care.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 4 - Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your mechanical and plumbing engineering skills in your application. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications and any relevant training you've completed.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position and have done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your experiences and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both you and us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westhertshospitals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around heating systems, plumbing, and medical gases. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job.
✨Show Initiative
During the interview, highlight instances where you've had to make decisions on your own. Talk about how you prioritised tasks or solved problems in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to work independently and keep things running smoothly.
✨Safety First
Since you'll be working in a hospital environment, it's crucial to emphasise your understanding of health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, particularly with regards to Legionella control and other safety protocols.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Estates team and the specific challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals, especially with the exciting developments happening at the hospital.
